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The Reason Behind Idol Agencies' Preference for Singer-Song Writer

When Kpop agencies are searching for their new singers, they consider a variety of requirements such as appearance, singing & dancing skill and talent.

By the way, one more requirement has been added to this recently. It is the ability in song writing. Big Bang's G-Dragon, B2ST's Yong Junhyung, CNBLUE's Jung Yonghwa and B1A4's Jinyoung are the representative examples of the idol stars who can compose their own songs. Then, what do you think is the reason for the agencies' preference for singer-song writer?

Big Bang's G-Dragon

Even professional composers can't catch up with idol song writers
Actually, singers don't have to compose their own songs to be successful artists. It can be wiser choice to depend on professional composers about song writing and just focus on performing the song on stage.

However, matters are different in the world of idol stars.

Most of the idol stars are targeting teenagers. To capture teens' hearts and gain popularity, idols need to perform the songs that suit teenagers' taste. Accordingly, Idols in their 20s can compose better songs than professional composers because the idols are usually younger than famous composers.

The official from one Kpop agency said "Even professional composers can't catch up with idol song writer's outstanding ability to compose young and sensuous music. They sometimes write songs in a way previously unthought of."

B2ST's Yong Jun Hyung

Differentiation strategy

Every year, numerous Kpop idol groups make debut, dreaming of becoming popular pop stars. They have to catch sight of the people to survive. In order that they take the initiative in the competition among all the new idol groups, the idols try to do something different from others. They sing, dance and wear costumes in their own way.

However, the public hardly notice the difference among idol groups' songs. The reason is that each and every one of the idol groups' songs were composed by famous professional composers. It is not too much to say that a few famous composers such as Brave Brothers and Shinsadong Tiger write most of Kpop idols' hits.

But, if idol group has a member who can compose and write its own song, things are different. The group's song can be certainly differentiated from competitors', which helps the group stand out as a prominent rookie group.

The official from a idol agency stated, "It also can be an important strategy of public relation to inform people that a idol group has a singer-song writer member. That way, the group can have a good image as a musically talented artist."

B1A4's Jin Young

Easy to manage singer-song writers

Most of the idol stars are in their late teens to early 20s. Even if they stand on stage in the spotlight, they still need to be managed by someone. Idol stars are high-maintenance singers, and the agencies sometimes need to give them scolding about appearance management and performance practice.

However, if the members personally write their songs, their attitude toward self management and practice can completely change because they feel responsible for their song. Singer-song writers usually take care of their own problems when they compose the song and plan for the stage.

Add to this, going through these course, the group can build teamwork. As you may know, performing on stage as a group requires teamwork more than individual skill.